The sorts of samples of most interest to the creators of this vocabulary - the Geological Survey of Queensland - are mining industry samples, such as rocks and oil, however this vocabulary could and should be used to contain methods for all types of samples: data samples, population samples, etc.

In general mineral or energy rights in Australia are reserved to the Crown. The acquisition of rights to minerals or energy stems from legislative frameworks in Queensland. These frameworks provide initially for exploration of the resource, and consist of the grant by the Crown in the form of exploration permits, licences or leases. Exploration permits, leases or licences permit works to be undertaken to determine the likely existence of minerals or resources. Actual mining is subject to a further grant of mining or minerals production leases or licences.